It's all about the experience..Peak week, start of taper and time for reflection

I started my “sharpening’ training this week. My taper usually last 10 days, and before that the number of sessions remains the same, with an increase in intensity, but not to the point that I am smoking myself.

Monday- Swim- main set: 6x400 descend 1-3 (pull + pads), 4-6 (swim) 25RI
PM- 1hr run focusing on running downhill, undulating and quite an intense run, although not beyond mod-hard

Tuesday- Bike 2hrs including 4 x descend 10 mins, 3 mins RI, rest of ride undulating plus some small hills

Wednesday- Lunchtime run (about 14km 1hr 10 mins) including 4 x 8min mod-hard, 3 mins RI , Squad swim 4 x 840m descending pace, last full out with paddles

Thursday- 1 hr WLT AM, PM- 2hr negative split undulating run (about 22km)

Fri- Technique swim and massage!

Sat- SBR session 30 min sea swim, 2hr bike with hills steady, 1 hr run with middle 30 mins at mod/hard pace

Sun- Long Ride 4-4.5hrs incl 50mins @ IM pace -- 2x20mins @ HIM pace (10mins RI)-- 4x10mins just above HIM pace (3-4mins RI)

So I think it’s all starting to come together. I’m trying to get more sleep and keeping myself healthy. There’s time for reflection to calm those nerves and anxiety, so I’m looking back at how far I’ve come so far.

After France, I fell into a bit of a black hole. I was goal less and quite disinterested in training and got sick. I knew I wanted to do Ironman, but I knew I needed to take some time off to reflect, recuperate and give my body a break from triathlon. I came back too quickly I know realise, and things got on top of me- work, relationships, and a whole lot of unhappiness.

Mid 2007, Bede found out he had been promoted and we would be moving up to Auckland. It was the break we needed to get us to move on from Christchurch- we had done all we could do there and needed to do something to make some more progress in our lives! We had outstayed our welcome in Christchurch I think! So at the end of August 2007, I got myself back on the saddle so to speak, and started a bike focus for K2 in my lead up to Ironman.

I finished my job in October, moved up to Auckland and had lots of time to train and look for a job. K@ was one of the most amazing experiences. I did it, knowing I could just use it as a training ride, with no expectations. With that focus in mind I think I enjoyed it immensely, similarly with Taupo Half Ironman. When it came to prizegiving and I aw that I was 4th overall female I was over the moon. Then I looked more closely- I had missed a podium spot by a few seconds. My heart dropped out of my mouth and so immediately did my mood, from elation to despair- it happened in France, getting pipped on the line!

Now, over two months on I must remember that come why may on race day, it’s about the experience. It’s not about positions and times. I had no idea where I was in Taupo –top ten perhaps, but I didn’t let it bother me. Why it bothered me so much after the event was where I really let myself down. I got really pissed off in front of my biggest fans (my parents and Bede!) – those who support me all the way and never judge my performances by positions and give me unconditional love throughout it all. No matter where I come they still think it’s an amazing achievement just in the doing of it. So why can’t I think like that?!

So when I step into the lake on 1 March, when I jump on my bike, when I put on my running shoes, it’s all about being in the moment- the result will take care of itself. If I stop obsessing about the outcome and concentrate on the here and now I can get there, not I think I can, I KNOW I CAN, I KNOW I WILL! By that stage it’s not a choice, in the words of Starsky and Hutch, just doooo it! (oh and a well-known sports brand…) I will see the Wizard, hopefully not just once. And the magic lies at the end once I’m over the finish line.